Anaheim (January 21, 2016) – Yamaha today reintroduced the world to one of the company’s most iconic lines of drums and the most recorded drums in history with the return of the Recording Custom Series.

Widely regarded as the industry standard for all drummers, Yamaha collaborated with legendary drummer and longtime Yamaha Artist Steve Gadd to retain the greatest features of the previous Recording Custom kit while incorporating the latest innovations to produce an optimized sound. The result is a drum kit that delivers both the classic signature sound and benefits from the latest enhancements in drum technologies.

For the first time in its history, Yamaha Recording Custom Series snare drums will be available in a variety of metal shells including brass, stainless steel, and aluminum with sizes that compliment all performance styles. The new Recording Custom Series snare drums include Steve Gadd's signature 10-strand snare wires in the 14" x 5.5" edition for maximum sensitivity producing a more natural tone with greater dynamics.

"This was one of those rare opportunities to work with one of the legends who helped establish the outstanding reputation of the original Recording Custom Series,” said Steven Fisher, marketing manager, drums, Yamaha Corporation of America. “We were able to refine and improve on those original designs to exact sound specifications that address how music and recording have evolved. To have Steve Gadd’s influence and guidance for these improvements created a ‘new classic’ – something truly special that any drummer will immediately recognize."

The Recording Custom Series drum sets include 100% birch shells, 30-degree bearing edges, and a unique combination of the classic Yamaha sound with the latest improvements in manufacturing.

These drums offer features that elevate classic design elements, producing a refined tone that is recognizably Yamaha. The high-tension lugs that Yamaha helped pioneer reflect the styling of the Yamaha Absolute lug, and are now weighted to enhance subtle lower frequencies, "ghost notes," and with greater sensitivity to dynamics for any style of drumming.

The Recording Custom Series is synonymous with some of the greatest performances in history. Drummers of all ages and levels of experience now have the opportunity to see, hear, and play these new drums that have the incredible influence of Steve Gadd behind them.

Explained Gadd, "For the past three years, I have been meeting with the Research and Development guys at Yamaha with the aim of bringing the Recording Custom Series up to date. I told Yamaha what I thought throughout the process. The result is that everything is a step up, yet they still feel like the Recording Custom. I think we did a great job. The drums sound great, and I am excited to see them unveiled so people can see and, importantly, hear them."